Officials
at The Pat Summitt Foundation expressed today their appreciation to the
Southeastern Conference (SEC), Commissioner Mike Slive and all its member
institutions for their support of the organization’s mission. They noted that
the SEC in cooperation with its 14- member institutions has for the third year
organized a “We Back Pat” Week. The week-long initiative is focused on bringing
awareness and recognition to The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East
Tennessee Foundation, and its fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

During
the week of January 19-26, SEC member institutions will offer support of The
Pat Summitt Foundation during their home basketball games. At every SEC women’s
basketball game – 19 games in 13 cities – a variety of efforts including
promotional public address announcements and video endorsements will help to
increase awareness of the foundation and its mission. The Foundation offers
the sale of “We Back Pat” t-shirts and wristbands as well as a number of
autographed and specialty items on their website at www.patsummitt.org.

ESPN
has also announced that three Southeastern Conference (SEC) women’s college
basketball games across ESPN2 and ESPNU on Sunday, Jan. 26, will honor former
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt as part of the SEC’s “We Back Pat” initiative. No.
10 South Carolina will face Vanderbilt on ESPN2 and Auburn will play Florida
on ESPNU – both at 2 p.m. – followed by No. 8 Tennessee against Texas
A&M at 4 p.m., also on ESPN2.

"I
am again honored and humbled that the Southeastern Conference schools are
continuing to support the work of the Pat Summitt Foundation's fight against
Alzheimer's. This annual SEC "We Back Pat" week brings great public
awareness for our cause and helps raise funds for research, patient services
and education,” said Foundation co-founder Pat Summitt.

“I
want to thank the SEC and all the member institutions who are participating
along with ESPN for their support. It means so much to Tyler and me that
you have again joined us in our efforts. Together We Will Win."

About
The Pat Summitt Foundation

The
Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, was established by
Pat Summitt in November 2011. Dedicated to winning the fight against
Alzheimer’s disease, its mission as a grant-making foundation is to advance
research for prevention and a cure; to provide hope, care, and critical support
for patients, caregivers and families; and to educate the public on the impacts
of Alzheimer’s disease and the urgent need for a cure. Pat Summitt, her
family and friends have chosen East Tennessee Foundation to receive and manage
contributions to Pat’s fund, and to facilitate their grantmaking in support of
the mission. To learn more visit the website at www.patsummitt.org